Date 21 July 1781 | Result French victory | |
 | ||
6 killed
34 wounded ~17 killed
48 wounded
2 warships and 3 merchantmen captured Combatants Kingdom of Great Britain, Early modern France Similar American Revolutionary War, Battle of Cape Henry, Battle of Martinique, Battle of the Mona Passage, Battle of Block Island | ||
Action of 21 july 1781
The Action of 21 July 1781 was a naval skirmish during the American Revolution between two French Navy frigates and a convoy of 18 British ships under protection of the Royal Navy off the harbour of Spanish River, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (present-day Sydney, Nova Scotia) led by Admiral Latouche Tréville and La Pérouse. The two French frigates won the engagement, capturing two escort ships while the remainder of the British convoy escaped.
Contents
Background
A possible motive for the French attack was to make advances to reclaim Louisburg; a strategic fortress which the British had seized during the French and Indian War.
Action
The convoy, which consisted of eighteen ships, including nine coal-transporting and four supply ships, was bound for Spanish River on Cape Breton Island to pick up coal for delivery to Halifax. The escorting ships were the frigate Charlestown (28); the sloops Allegiance (24) and Vulture (20); an armed transport Vernon (14); and another small armed ship Jack (14).
Two French frigates Astrée (38), commanded by La Pérouse, and Hermione (34), commanded by Latouche Tréville, attacked the convoy. The French severely damaged Charlestown, which lost its main mast and a number of its officers, including Captain Francis Evans. The French also significantly damaged Jack, which also lost its captain, and subsequently struck her colors. The engagement ended at nightfall. Captain Rupert George of Vulture led the damaged escorts into a safe harbor. Six French and seventeen British sailors were killed.
While the British escort was severely damaged, the convoy was still able to pick up a load of coal at Spanish River and deliver it to Halifax. The French captured the British ship Thorn off Halifax Harbour, along with three merchantmen, which they brought back to Boston. The following year, the British recaptured Jack in the Naval battle off Halifax.
Aftermath
The French commanders would go on to achieve further acclaim and recognition for their performance. Latouche Tréville became an Admiral and was named a hero of the Napoleonic war. La Pérouse later became a famous explorer.
Commemorations
The encounter was painted by Auguste-Louis de Rossel de Cercy, and is on display at the Musée Nationale de la Marine in Rochefort.